As an experienced hiker, I recently went on a Lower Dolpo Circuit trek in Nepal. It was a two-week journey filled with incredible experiences and breathtaking sights. The region is remote and isolated, and the landscape and culture are more Tibetan than Nepali. The trek was difficult, with paths and mountain passes over 5,000 meters, but it was all worth it.
One of the highlights of the trek was witnessing the age-old Bon Buddhist practices in different monasteries. The isolated villages of people closely related to Tibetans and ancient monasteries offer a glimpse back in time. Additionally, this is one of the few remaining places where the Bon Po religion is practiced. It was fascinating to see the differences between Bon Po and Buddhism, such as the anti-clockwise walk around stupas and shrines.
Another incredible experience was trekking to the pristine Shey Phoksundo, alongside the entrance to the Phoksundo National Park. The crisp, clear blueness of Phoksundo Lake (3,611m) was a sight to behold. Phoksundo Lake is almost 500 ha in size and was designated a Ramsar site in 2008. Most people recognize this lake from the film that was made here about and starring the people of this area. Known as Caravan in Nepal, the film was called Himalaya on the international stage.
The Lower Dolpo Circuit also offered an amazing experience walking in the desert-like rain shadow area of the Lower Dolpo region. The diverse flora and fauna of the region were a sight to see. Much of Lower Dolpo falls under the protection of Shey Phoksundo National Park. This has ensured pine, fir, and birch forests, as well as wildlife such as the elusive snow leopard, rare Himalayan blue sheep, goral, thar, Himalayan black bear, langur, and rhesus monkeys, among others, maintain their strength in today’s world.
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We also caught the enticing views of the Yak Caravan and got to walk on the ancient salt trade route. It was an incredible feeling to walk on a path that has been used for centuries to transport goods and products.
The trek was not an easy one, with increasing altitudes up to the maximum of 5,190m and days averaging 6–7 hours of walking. But the rewards were astounding. The high, snow-covered Kanjirowa Himal peaks, unique flora and fauna, diverse culture, colorful festivals, challenging passes, and windswept scenery interspersed with pine forests made it a truly wonderful trek.
Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (flight)
Nepalgunj: 150 m (492 ft) in 50 minutes
Day 2: Nepalgunj to Jhupal (flight) to Dunai
Dunai: 2850 m (9350 ft) - 4 hrs.
Day 3: Dunai to Tarakot
Tarakot, 2543 m/8343 ft, 6 hrs.
Day 4: Tarakot to Laini
Laini: 3160 m/10367 ft, 6 hrs.
Day 5: Laini to Nawar Pani
Nawar Pani: 3545 m / 11630 ft; 5 hrs.
Day 6: Nawar Pani to Dho Tarap
Dho Tarap, 4090 m/13418 ft, 7 hrs.
Day 7: Acclimatization Day
Dho Tarap, 4090 m/13418 ft, 3 hrs.
Day 8: Dho Tarap to Numa La Base Camp
Numa La Base Camp, 4440 m/14566 ft, 6 hrs
Day 9: Numa La Base Camp to Pelung Tang
Pelung Tang, 4465 m/14648 ft, 6 hrs.
Day 10: Pelung Tang to Dajok Tang
Dajok Tang, 4080 m/13385 ft, 6 hrs
Day 11: Dajok Tang to Ringmo
Ringmo: 3600 m/11811 ft, 4 hrs.
Day 12: Ringmo to Phoksundo Lake
Phoksundo Lake, 3612 m/11850 ft, 5 hrs
Day 13: Phoksundo Lake to Shyanta
Shyanta: 2520 m/8267 ft, 4 hrs.
Day 14: Shyanta to Jhupal
Jhupal: 2320 m/7611 ft, 5 hrs.
Day 15: Jhupal to Nepalgunj (flight) to Kathmandu (flight)
Kathmandu: 1300 m/4265 ft, 2 hrs.
Our Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek itinerary was carefully planned to ensure we got to experience all the highlights. We started with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then a flight to Jhupal. From there, we trekked to Dunai, Tarakot, Laini, Nawar Pani, and Dho Tarap. We also had an acclimatization day at Dho Tarap. The trek continued to Numa La Base Camp, Pelung Tang, Dajok Tang, Ringmo, and Phoksundo Lake. Finally, we trekked back to Shyanta and Jhupal before flying back to Kathmandu.
The Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek was an incredible experience. It was challenging, but the sights and experiences were truly rewarding. If you have an interest in the Buddhist and Bon Po cultures and are excited by the windswept scenery interspersed with pine forests and the possibility of sighting rare mammal and medicinal plant species, I highly recommend this trek.
Photo credit: KimKim
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